Unpacking Intentions:
A Guide to Getting the Most Out of BestSelfApp
Understanding the Heart of BestSelfApp
When you first dive into BestSelfApp, you’re greeted with a prompt to set your daily intentions. This onboarding process is one of the most personal, rewarding, and reflective parts of your journey. Yet, we understand it can also be the most misunderstood aspect of the app. So let’s unpack what setting intentions is all about, why it matters, and how you can craft intentions that truly resonate with who you are—or who you aspire to be.
Why Intentions Matter More Than You Think
At its core, setting intentions isn’t just about ticking off daily tasks or achieving short-term goals. It’s about defining your identity and embracing the person you want to be. This concept is rooted in the philosophy of “Be, Do, Have,” popularized by thinkers like Dr. Wayne Dyer. The idea is simple yet profound: start by being the person you want to be, and the actions (doing) and results (having) will naturally follow.
By focusing on your identity first (“Be”), you set the stage for consistent actions (“Do”) that lead to desired outcomes (“Have”). In the context of BestSelfApp, your intentions represent the “Be”—they are declarations of who you are today.
Common Missteps in Setting Intentions
It’s easy to confuse intentions with goals or daily events. Let’s look at some examples of intentions that might miss the mark and how to refine them to align more closely with your identity.
| User’s Initial Intention | Suggested Refinement | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| “I want to lose 20 pounds.” | “I embraced a healthy lifestyle today.” | Shifts focus from a long-term goal to daily embodiment of health. |
| “I exercised today.” | “I was a strong and active person today.” | Transforms an event into an identity-based intention. |
| “I didn’t procrastinate today.” | “I was focused and productive today.” | Focuses on positive identity rather than absence of a behavior. |
| “I ate no junk food today.” | “I nourished my body with healthy choices.” | Emphasizes positive actions aligned with a healthy identity. |
| “I finished all my tasks today.” | “I lived up to my potential today.” | Elevates from task completion to personal fulfillment. |
| “I didn’t argue with anyone today.” | “I was a patient and understanding person.” | Shifts from avoiding negatives to embodying positive traits. |
Crafting Intentions That Reflect Your Identity
There are generally two types of intentions:
Functional Intentions – Action-based statements that focus on behaviors.
• Example: “I embraced being an active and healthy person today.”
Identity-Based Intentions – Deeper reflections of self-perception.
• Example: “I was a healthy and strong person today.”
While both are valid, identity-based intentions often lead to more profound and lasting change because they align closely with who you see yourself as.
The Power of “Be, Do, Have”
Embracing the “Be, Do, Have” philosophy means starting with your identity. When you declare, “I am a compassionate leader,” you’re more likely to act in ways that reinforce that identity—listening to others, offering support, and making thoughtful decisions. Over time, these actions lead to tangible results, like stronger relationships and successful projects.”
Reflecting on Your Intentions
Setting your intentions is not just about what you want to achieve but about who you want to be. This requires introspection and honesty. Ask yourself:
What qualities do I admire in others?
Which traits do I value most in myself?
How do I want to feel at the end of each day?
Your answers will guide you in crafting intentions that are meaningful and motivating.
Examples of Impactful Intentions
To inspire you, here are some intentions that embody identity and can have a significant impact on your daily life:
“I was a loving and present parent today.”
“I embraced creativity and innovation today.”
“I was courageous in facing challenges today.”
“I lived authentically and true to myself today.”
“I fostered joy and positivity in my interactions today.”
Choosing Events That Relate To Your Intentions
Once you’ve set your intentions, the next step is to track events that may influence them. These events reflect your daily actions—both positive and negative—that either support or detract from your intentions. By tracking these events, you can gain a deeper understanding of how your behaviors align with or move you away from the person you want to be. Here are some examples of events that could impact your intentions:
Remember to frame events positively. Instead of “Avoided junk food,” simply track “Healthy eating.” The absence of a negative doesn’t always translate to the presence of a positive, so focus on the actions you took that align with your identity.
At the heart of BestSelfApp, your intentions reflect your identity—the person you strive to be each day. The events you track are the actions (“Do”) that naturally flow from that identity (“Be”). By recognizing and tracking both the positive and negative events in your day, you gain insight into how your actions either support or detract from your intentions.
Final Thoughts
The journey with BestSelfApp is deeply personal. By taking the time to set intentions that truly reflect who you are or aspire to be, you lay a foundation for meaningful change. Your intentions guide your actions, and over time, you’ll find that you’re not just doing different things—you’re becoming the person you’ve always wanted to be.